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1 | Career Snapshot (2025 U.S. Data)

• Median Annual Pay (2023 BLS): $63,740
• Employment (2023): ≈ 18,500 forensic science techs
• Projected Growth (2023–33): +13% (much faster than average)
• Annual Openings: ≈ 2,400 (new + replacement)
• Top-Pay Metros (2024): Los Angeles ($94k) · New York ($89k) · Washington, DC ($86k)

Why demand is rising: Courts rely on digital forensics, DNA sequencing, and ballistics analysis. Expanding use of forensic technology in cybercrime, financial crime, and cold-case investigations is driving job growth.

2 | What Forensic Science Techs Do

• Crime Scene Investigation: Collecting and preserving evidence, documenting scenes.
• Laboratory Analysis: DNA profiling, toxicology, ballistics, fingerprint matching.
• Digital Forensics: Analyzing phones, laptops, and cloud data in criminal cases.
• Court Testimony: Serving as expert witnesses to explain scientific findings.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working alongside police, attorneys, and medical examiners.

3 | Where They Work & Employers

• Law Enforcement Agencies: FBI, DEA, Secret Service, state police labs.
• Crime Laboratories: Local/state forensic labs, university labs.
• Government Agencies: Department of Justice, Homeland Security.
• Private Sector: Cybersecurity firms (CrowdStrike, Mandiant), forensic consulting firms.

4 | Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s in Forensic Science, Biology, Chemistry, or Criminal Justice (4 yrs).
• Specialized Training Programs in crime scene processing or DNA analysis.
• Certifications:
  • American Board of Criminalistics (ABC)
  • Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
  • International Association for Identification (IAI)

5 | Skills Blueprint

• Technical: DNA analysis, chromatography, digital forensics software (EnCase, FTK), fingerprint analysis.
• Analytical: Hypothesis testing, error-rate evaluation.
• Communication: Writing reports, courtroom testimony.
• Soft Skills: Objectivity, stress tolerance, ethical decision-making.

6 | Trends 2025–2030

• AI in Forensics: Automating fingerprint and facial recognition.
• Portable DNA Devices: Rapid crime-scene testing.
• Cybercrime Surge: Growing need for digital forensics specialists.
• Cold Case Revolutions: Advanced sequencing reopens unsolved cases.

7 | Salary Ladder

• Entry (Crime Scene Tech): $45–55k
• Lab Analyst: $55–70k
• Senior Forensic Specialist: $70–85k
• Forensic Lab Manager: $85–105k
• Federal Level (FBI/DEA): $95–120k

8 | MAPP Fit

Forensic techs need investigative drive, detail orientation, and patience under stress. The Free MAPP Career Assessment helps determine if your motivations align with evidence-based, methodical work.

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